"Not to know what has been transacted in former times is to be always a child. If no use is made of the labors of past ages, the world must remain always in the infancy of knowledge."
Marcus Tulius Cicero (106-43 BC)Writer, Politician and Great Roman Orator

EPISODE #

HOST

GUESTS

EPISODE #1

THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION

FEBRUARY, 1987 Los Altos Historical Commission members discuss its purpose, function, structure and goals. Topics: Inheriting The Smith House in 1974, The History House Auxiliary, Children's Christmas party at History House footage.

HOST GARY CARLSON-HALL

GUESTS COMMISSIONERS GERALDINE KAVANAUGH, PINKY WHELAN

EPISODE #2

ANNA KNAPP FITZ

MARCH, 1987 Discusses early years in Los Altos and her paintings, interpreting people and landscapes of Los Altos. Topics include her German origins, locations of her landscapes and life working at an orchard. Includes paintings of locations since destroyed.

HOST NANCY SCHNABEL

GUESTS ANNA KNAPP FITZ

EPISODE #3

RAPHAEL MYERS

APRIL, 1987 Longtime resident recalls Los Altos in 1912. Topics include: driving at age 12, apricot and prune orchards, memories of the Shoup and Weidman families, memorabilia, owning an electric car in the 20's, school photos and students.

HOST PINKY WHELAN

GUESTS RAPHAEL MYERS

EPISODE #4

ELDERS OF LOS ALTOS: EARLY RESIDENTS

MAY, 1987 The early residents recount what Los Altos life was like in the teens, twenties and thirties. Topics include the railroads, the landscape, schools and The Great Depression.

HOST GARY CARLSON-HALL

GUESTS MARJORIE ROBINSON-BRYANT, ED WOODWORTH, EDGAR MCDOWELL

EPISODE #5

EARLY RESIDENTS

JUNE, 1987 Los Altos Hills historian shares her knowledge of the early times. Topics include immigrants, agriculture and land acquisition.

HOST NANCY SCHNABEL

GUESTS ROSEMARY MYEROTT

EPISODE #6

CHARLOTTE GREGORY: EARLY RESIDENT

JULY, 1987 Longtime Los Altos Resident discusses the opening of her family pharmacy in 1924. Topics include early business practices and famous customers.

HOST PINKY WHELAN

GUESTS CHARLOTTE GREGORY

EPISODE #7

HISTORICAL COMMISSION: GOALS

OCTOBER, 1987 Revisiting the topics found in Program one, The Historical Commission, but this time from the point of view of two other former commissioners, Audrey Fisher and Julie Rose.

HOST PINKY WHELAN

GUESTS AUDREY FISHER, JULIE ROSE

EPISODE #8

MUSEUM DIRECTORS

JANUARY, 1988 Three local museum directors discuss the origins, collections and philosophy of their cultural institutions.

HOST BILL HOWARD

GUESTS MONTE DURAN, MADELINE CRAWFORD, LYNN STROMBERG

EPISODE #9

MOUNTAIN VIEW'S 85TH ANNIVERSARY

APRIL, 1988 Bands, fire trucks and interviews with locals help celebrate the town's founding. This video was shot entirely on location by Wulf Schrader.

HOST NANCY SCHNABEL

GUESTS

EPISODE #10

ELEANOR CRANSTON CAMERON

MARCH, 1988 Famed author and sister of Senator Alan Cranston discusses her life and times.

HOST JANE REED

GUESTS ELEANOR CRANSTON CAMERON

EPISODE #11

1898 PINE LANE HOME

APRIL, 1988 Turn of the century life reflected in the architecture of this home being restored on Pine Lane. Includes information about the original owners and details of the restoration effort. A video tour is included.

HOST PATRICIA SMITH

GUESTS BARBARA MCCARTHY

EPISODE #12

DAVE ELLSWORTH

JANUARY, 1989 Early resident discusses his family's route in settling in Los Altos. A journey from a pineapple plantation in Hawaii to the hills above Chico. Includes rare Los Altos snow scene photos and recollections of World War I.

HOST PATRICIA SMITH

GUESTS DAVE ELLSWORTH

EPISODE #13

HISTORY OF PALO ALTO

JANUARY, 1989 Co-authors and historians discuss the origins of Palo Alto. Topics include early missions, ranchos, the Ohlone people and times when condors and grizzly bears ruled what is now downtown Palo Alto.

HOST PATRICIA LEACH

GUESTS PAM GULLARD, NANCY LUND

EPISODE #14

THE OHLONE CIVILIZATION

AUGUST, 1992 Archeologists reveal little known facts about the first Los Altans, the Ohlone Indians. Topics include tools, rituals, lifestyle and art. Many artifacts are shown. Includes video tour of Rancho San Antonio and Redwood Grove.

HOST HEIDI KUHN

GUESTS LINDA HYLKEMA, MARK HYLKEMA

EPISODE #15

SISTER CITY: SYKTYVKAR, RUSSIA.

OCTOBER, 1992 A video odyssey chronicling a tour of the Russian city taken by a group of civic minded Los Altans. A discussion of the goals of the sister city program.

HOST HEIDI KUHN

GUESTS MIKE BRUNO, NATASHA SHARYPOVA

EPISODE #16

HIDDEN VILLA

JANUARY, 1993 A discussion about the stunningly beautiful 1600 acre oasis donated by the Duvenack family for the enjoyment of all. Includes video footage of this paradise as well as a tribute to the family that made public access available.

HOST HEIDI KUHN

GUESTS MARY DAVEY

EPISODE #17

LOS ALTOS: A CENTURY OF PHOTOS

JANUARY, 1993 Book Publisher talks about his book, "Los Altos: A Century of Photos."

HOST FORMER MAYOR PENNY LAVE

GUESTS PAUL NYBERG

EPISODE #18

VALLEY OF THE HEART'S DELIGHT

FEBRUARY. 1993 Author and historian discusses her book, "Passing Farms, Enduring Values: The Story of the Valley of the Heart's Delight." Segment includes rare film footage shot in 1922.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS EVONNE JACOBSEN

EPISODE #19

A WALKING TOUR

APRIL, 1993 Buildings: their architecture and history of use are described by local expert.

HOST CATHERINE BYERS-WHITE

GUESTS STEVE ACED

EPISODE #20

THE LOS ALTOS LIBRARY

MAY, 1993 Librarian talks about the history and use of the facility since its inception. Topics include funding and how the library must adapt to the coming of the internet.

HOST CATHERINE BYERS-WHITE

GUESTS CAROL TEFFT

EPISODE #21

THE EMERSON HOME

OCTOBER, 1993 A discussion and tour of a turn of the century farmhouse which was once owned by one of Los Altos' pioneering families. Unique architectural flourishes make this home a landmark in the community.

HOST CATHERINE BYERS-WHITE

GUESTS SHERRILL WALKER, JOHN WALKER

EPISODE #22

THE PINK HORSE RANCH

MAY, 1994 Famed local architect discusses his life, career and viewpoints on architecture. Included is a video tour of his home and surrounding land. Topics: rerouting a creek illegally and apologizing later.

HOST CATHERINE-BYERS-WHITE

GUESTS WENDELL ROSCOE

EPISODE #23

FASHIONS 1900 - 1960

MARCH, 1994 Victorian formal wear, flapper attire and groovy sixties outfits are shown off by live models and discussed by the wardrobe collector. All the clothing is of exceptional quality and beautifully maintained.

HOST CATHERINE BYERS-WHITE

GUESTS MARY CAROL BURDETT

EPISODE #24

HISTORY HOUSE 1930'S GALA

JUNE, 1994 A discussion about the re-opening of the History House. Includes tour of a Reconstructed authentic 1930's home complete from kitchen utensils to radio console. Footage of the 1930's themed gala including Dixieland Band, tours and many autos.

HOST HEIDI KUHN

GUESTS ERIN FINNEGAN

EPISODE #25

THE GRIFFIN HOUSE

OCTOBER, 1994 Chairman of the Committee to Save Griffin house discusses efforts to prevent the demolition of the house. Topics include: fundraising efforts and the story of the original owners. Photos of the house are included.

EPISODE #27

CALIFORNIA HISTORY CENTER AT DE ANZA COLLEGE

APRIL, 1995 Formed in 1967, this history center operates as clearing house, promoter for the study of history, publisher and classroom. Director discusses facility and programs offered. Topics: Gold Rush, Victorian Homes, John Muir. A video tour is included.

HOST ERIN FINNEGAN

GUESTS KATHI PEREGRIN

EPISODE #28

THE GRENIER HOME

MARCH, 1995 Home situated on original Winchester-Merriman property and later purchased by Paul Shoup was built in 1908. Located on Orange Ave, it represents when Los Altos was just beginning to grow. With original photos and present day video.

HOST ERIN FINNEGAN

GUESTS IRENE GRENIER

EPISODE #29

SENATOR ALAN CRANSTON

MAY, 1995 Former U.S. Senator discusses his life and times. A foreign correspondent changes course to serve his country. Topics include: athletics at Stanford, Herbert Hoover, and why he didn't make the 1936 U.S. Olympic Team.

HOST ERIN FINNEGAN

GUESTS SENATOR ALAN CRANSTON

EPISODE #30

HISTORICAL BUILDINGS

OCTOBER, 1995 A discussion about the necessary criteria included in the designation of historical buildings. Topics include age, architectural integrity and use. Photos of historically designated buildings are in included.

EPISODE #32

LIBRARIAN, CAROL TEFFT

FEBRUARY, 1996 Thirty year veteran Librarian discusses her career. Topics include: technical changes, the history and origins dating to 1912, introduction of the internet. Included is a video tour of the most recent incarnation of this Los Altos cultural treasure.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS CAROL TEFFT

EPISODE #33

HISTORY HOUSE ORIGINS

MARCH, 1996 Museum Coordinator discusses her switch from design engineer to museum director. Topics include Gilbert Smith's 1902 acquisition of a premiere apricot orchard. The farmhouse is later donated to become the History House Museum.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS AMY HEATH

EPISODE #34

MEMORIES OF THE 1930'S

APRIL, 1996 Childhood friends recall their experiences during The Great Depression. Topics include: growing your own food, how the agricultural industry sheltered Los Altos from the worldwide suffering, and how they spent the childhood years.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS BOB TAYLOR, BOB KEELER

EPISODE #35

THE MAKING OF SILICON VALLEY

MAY, 1996 Author/Editor discusses his book The Making of Silicon Valley: A One Hundred Year Renaissance. Topics include: compiling history of nearly 70 valley companies, why revolution happened in this location, role of Stanford in planting the seed.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS WARD WINSLOW

EPISODE #36

HISTORY HOUSE CHILDREN'S TOUR

OCTOBER, 1996 Treasure trove of 1930's memorabilia is found at The History House Museum. Grandma's kitchen captured as if frozen in time. Kids enjoy the wonderment of discovery during this comprehensive tour.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS LIZ NYBERG

EPISODE #37

WINCHESTER-MERRIMAN HOME

OCTOBER, 1996 Current owner and designer discuss the charm of this Victorian Los Altos landmark. Topics include: the homes historic past as Chandler School for Girls, purchase in 1888 by Sara Winchester, rifle company heiress. A video tour is included.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS SUSAN OKIN, CHERYL WITT

EPISODE #38

JUAN BAUTISTA DE ANZA TRAIL

OCTOBER, 1996 A discussion about the historical designation and re-enactment of an explorer's horse trail extending from California into Arizona. Topics include the Spanish colonization of California, the missions, and crossing the desert and mountains.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS DONI HUBBARD, NANCY DUPONT, STEVE HAZE

EPISODE #39

THE MARINI HOME PART I

MARCH, 1997 Owner of landmark 1926 Los Altos home, built at by Frank Marini as summer home for his unmarried siblings. Topics: he career of Marini, his philanthropic activities and political involvement. A video tour of this beautifully restored home is included.

HOST JUDIE JOHNSON

GUESTS NAN GESCHKE

EPISODE #40

THE MARINI HOME PART II

MARCH, 1997 A continuation of the tour of the landmark 1926 Marini Home. Included is video of some of the early days of this classic restoration. Topics include: finding artisans to fabricate fixtures no longer manufactured and staying true to the original.

HOST JUDIE JOHNSON

GUESTS NAN GESCHKE

EPISODE #41

THE FARUICHI FAMILY

APRIL, 1997 Third generation nursery owner discusses Los Altos family business. Topics include: family's interment in World War II prison camps, retaining ownership of property when other Japanese Americans had property seized. Video of business included.

EPISODE #43

THE MAKING OF SILICON VALLEY: A 100 YEAR RENAISSANCE

JUNE, 1997 Filmmaker discusses his documentary chronicling the rise of one of America's most important industrial sectors, Silicon Valley. Many clips from the film are shown.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS JOHN MCLAUGHLIN

EPISODE #44

55 PEPPER DRIVE

OCTOBER, 1997 A discussion about the Adams family and their home built shortly after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Original photos of the house and a diary kept by the owner who lived in a tent while the house was being built. Video tour of the home included.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS JOHN BAER

EPISODE #45

THE LOS ALTOS TOWN CRIER: FIFTY YEARS

NOVEMBER, 1997 Los Altos newspaper publisher discusses what was going on in 1947. Topics: transistor, Jackie Robinson, Tupperware, Apricots, television and the railroads. Many photos and advertisements are shown.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS PAUL NYBERG

EPISODE #46

PIONEER LIFE

SEPTEMBER, 1998 A discussion about the first eight Caucasian families who settled in Southern Los Altos circa 1850. Photos, maps and diary readings help tell the story of life in those times. Topics: farming, schools and the gold rush.

HOST LAURA CLINE, BEVERLEY MCCHESNEY

GUESTS LINDA SCHULTZ

EPISODE #47

ANNA KNAPP FITZ

FEBRUARY, 1998 Friends recall the life of Anna Knapp Fitz. Includes taped interview with Fitz who brings her childhood memories to life. Many paintings of her work are shown in a clip depicting Fitz's participation in the art docents program.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS MERRY EDWARDSON, VIRGINIA CARLSON

EPISODE #48

THE SHOUP HOME

MARCH, 1998 Current owners of the historic home discuss the current restored state as well as the history of its original owner, President of The Southern Pacific Railroad and pillar in the founding and shaping of Los Altos. Includes a video tour of the home.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS STEVIE DAY, JOHN DAY

EPISODE #49

KAHN'S PHARMACY

APRIL, 1998 Pharmacy owner and star former employee discuss the 1939 beginnings of landmark known to Los Altans. Topics include famous customers, infirmary set up during World War II, changing business model. Early photos included.

HOST CHUCK GESCHKE

GUESTS MEL KAHN, FRANK WHITE

EPISODE #50

THE ELDERS OF LOS ALTOS

MAY, 1998 Group of seniors discuss their lives during the Great Depression. Topics include hobos and tramps, working for food, depression proof businesses and how to be happy when poverty knocks on the door. Lunch all week for $1.25.

HOST VIRGINIA CARLSON, GLORIA BARES

GUESTS LOS ALTOS SENIORS

EPISODE #51

THE RAILROADS

OCTOBER, 1998 Discussion of role railroads played in development of Los Altos. Topics include: 1908 Foothill Expressway electric trains, free rides for potential land buyers, and commuter routes to San Francisco. Video tour of model railroads included.

EPISODE #53

VILLA ROSA

DECEMBER, 1998 A discussion about this elegant, ornate home, its original owners and how typewriters played a role in its existence. A video tour of this property is included. Features a master bedroom with nine French doors.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS JUDY FUCILLA, VAN FUCILLA

EPISODE #54

WINEMAKERS

FEBRUARY, 1999 A discussion about the first four families to occupy Rancho San Antonio and develop them into farms. Wine expert also discusses the first wines including Grenache and Zinfandel. Includes maps, illustrations and photos of the early occupants.

HOST BEVERLEY MCCHESNEY

GUESTS CHARLES SULLIVAN

EPISODE #55

ELEANOR CRANSTON CAMERON

MARCH, 1999 Cameron discusses her prominent family dating to 1870. Topics include father's rise from carpenter to Victorian home architect, brother's Senate ambitions, marriage to filmmaker, Don Cameron, and how Wallace Stegner inspired her writing.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS ELEANOR CRANSTON CAMERON

EPISODE #56

THE CELEBRITY FORUM

APRIL, 1999 A discussion and review of the forum which has brought celebrities to the stage at Foothill College. Director of Forum recalls feting guests such as Alistair Cooke, Truman Capote, The Grateful Dead and Bob Hope.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS DICK HENNING

EPISODE #57

AL'S BARBER SHOP

MAY, 1999 Owner traces the history at this 50-year old town meeting place, an almost extinct Norman Rockwell like view of Americana. Topics include: how The Beatles almost closed the shop, fiery political discussions, closing celebration footage.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS AL GALERIDGE

EPISODE #58

THE NEW HISTORY HOUSE

OCTOBER, 1999 Plans for the new Education Center at History House Museum is at the time of this show under construction. A discussion about the funding, building, future uses and architectural concept of this privately funded enterprise.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS MADELYN CRAWFORD, BOB GRIMM

EPISODE #59

THE SAN ANTONIO CLUB

OCTOBER, 1999 Hostesses gathered here to entertain troops during World War II. Discussion about the war years in Los Altos. Topics include: coast watches, Japanese camps, how businesses re-tooled to support the war, memorial commissioning / dedication.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS DON MCDONALD, BILL HENDERSON, JAY BRANDON

EPISODE #60

THE OHLONE CIVILIZATION

DECEMBER, 1999 Stanford anthropologist talks about his digs that have yielded knowledge of the people and artifacts used in their daily lives. Topics include: The University Village dig in 1952, how home building uncovered the past. Artifacts photos included.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS DR. BERT GEROW

EPISODE #61

DEER HOLLOW FARM

JANUARY, 2000 Resident who lived at Deer Hollow Farm recalls growing up on this property. Topics include: cattle round-ups, rattlesnakes, cowboy life. The property, now open to the public, runs programs for children. Video tour of restored Grant's Cabin included.

HOST BEVERLEY MCCHESNEY

GUESTS GEORGE PERHAM, JOHNNY JONIGAN

EPISODE #62

THE ART DOCENTS

APRIL, 2000 Volunteers enrich the lives of school children with in classroom visits to spread the appreciation and creation of art. Topics include: organization's origins, recruiting and training of volunteers. Includes segment showing the program in action.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS NANCY BARNOWSKI, MARLENE GROVE

EPISODE #63

EDGAR MCDOWELL: LOS ALTOS LIFE 1920'S- 1930'S.

MARCH, 2000 Resident whose father attended Stanford in 1895 recalls his life and times as well as the community's. Topics include: railroads, Paul Shoup, early days of the Boy Scouts and Herbert Hoover's career. Included: photos from the era.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS EDGAR MCDOWELL

EPISODE #64

THE ERICHSEN HOME

MAY 2000 Fifty year residents of Los Altos House discuss their family history, dating back to 1916. Topics: 1929 Model A Ford Truck, life in the 1930's, Los Altos Grammar School, selling apricots, changes over past five decades. Video tour of the home included.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS RUTH ERICHSEN, WALLACE ERICHSEN

EPISODE #65

THE JUANA BRIONES FOUNDATION

1847 historic Adobe home was once the home of Juana Briones (b. 1802). Topics include: Briones' children, sailor's refuge at the Presidio, successful Supreme Court argument over land ownership, historic importance of adobe homes.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS JEANNE MCDONNELL

EPISODE #66

THE GINZTON HOME

JUNE, 2000 Once the home of Artemus and Edward Ginzton, their daughters discuss life growing up in this unusual home, designed by Joseph Stein. Topics include: Ginzton family history and their connection to Stanford. Includes a video tour of the home.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS NANCY GINZTON, ANN GINZTON

EPISODE #67

PAINT THE TOWN

JUNE, 2000 Local Newspaper publisher showcases his latest project, a book depicting familiar Los Altos locations as seen through the brush strokes of local artists. Many of the paintings found in this book are shown and discussed.

HOST NAN GESCHKE

GUESTS PAUL NYBERG

EPISODE #68

REMEMBERING WALLACE STEGNER

JANUARY-JUNE 2005 Los Altos Hills resident Wallace Stegner won the Pulitzer Prize, founded The Creative Writer's Program at Stanford and served on the board of directors of the Sierra Club. Friends recall his contributions, wit and warmth.

HOST EXTRA: HISTORY HOUSE EXHIBIT FILM

GUESTS FRIENDS OF WALLACE STEGNER

EPISODE #69

MEMORIES OF LU AND DAVE

JANUARY, 2009 The Packards are remembered for their tremendous impact on the community, the nation and the world. Friends, family and colleagues describe how individually and together, they selflessly created a legacy of caring and sharing.

HOST EXTRA: HISTORY HOUSE EXHIBIT FILM

GUESTS FRIENDS OF THE PACKARDS

EPISODE #70

MEMORIES OF JOSEPHINE AND FRANK

2011 Frank and Josephine Duveneck were both born of wealth and privilege. Instead of coasting through life they bought 2500 acres of prime California real estate and made it into a center for social change. This film, originally shown at an exhibit at History House tells their remarkable story.

EPISODE #71

SILICON VALLEY: THE LURE & THE LEGENDS

2014 This film provides an overview of how silicon valley became the center of a massive change in how everyday life is lived .It revolutionized the way that business is conducted, people communicate, engage in commerce and gain information. This film was originally shown at an exhibit at History House.